rays of sun

USAGE SUMMARY

"rays of sun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the sun's rays, either literally or metaphorically. For example, you could say: "The rays of sun beamed down on the garden, warming the flowers and inspiring growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lully, who was in charge of all royal music by the age of 30, was an intimate of the king, and in one comedie-ballet that Lully collaborated on with Molière, Louis IV, who took as his emblem Apollo, appeared as the god, wearing a golden corset and kilt fashioned into rays of sun that gave rise to his being known as the Sun King.

Independent

Some brilliant rays of sun pierced the dark clouds, adding to the place's atmospheric charge.

Independent

Rays of sun bounced from floor to wall to ceiling, illuminating the emptiness.

The New York Times

As the first rays of sun appear, the edge of one of the megaliths is illuminated.

The Guardian - Travel

I woke to sharp rays of sun and various insects making friends with my face.

The Guardian - Travel

Other than the rays of sun glinting off the snow, the forest was perfectly still.

The New York Times - Travel

The last rays of sun lit the spot: a perfect reward after a long drive and a healthy walk.

The New Yorker

As I gain altitude, the views get better and more rays of sun pierce the gum trees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the piazza, flat-capped farmers, swept into corners by the last rays of sun, gather to talk and smoke.

The Guardian - Travel

As Byron sees the first rays of sun, it's not unusual to spot pods of dolphins at play.

The Guardian - Travel

It is a celebration of dead friends and family ­— a crucifix, dog tags, the Virgin Mary and clouds with rays of sun.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "rays of sun" metaphorically to represent hope, warmth, or positive influence within a narrative or exposition.

Common error

Avoid using "rays of sun" in overly sentimental or predictable contexts. Strive for originality by pairing it with unexpected descriptions or scenarios to avoid clichés.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rays of sun" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the physical phenomenon of light emanating from the sun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rays of sun" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe sunlight. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently found in News & Media contexts, serving to depict visual scenes and evoke feelings of warmth and hope. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing it in clichéd ways, as highlighted in the writing guidance. Consider alternatives like "sunlight" or "sunbeams" for variation. Ultimately, "rays of sun" remains a powerful and evocative phrase when used thoughtfully and creatively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sun's rays

Inverts the structure while retaining the core meaning of sunlight beams.

sunbeams

A more concise, single-word alternative referring to beams of sunlight.

sunlight

A general term for light coming from the sun.

solar rays

Uses a more scientific term to describe the sun's radiation.

shafts of sunlight

Emphasizes the shape and form of the light.

beams of sunlight

Replaces 'rays' with 'beams', offering a slight variation in wording.

golden rays

Adds a descriptive adjective, highlighting the color of the sunlight.

warm rays of the sun

Focuses on the heat associated with sunlight.

morning light

Specifies the time of day when the sun's rays are present.

sun's golden touch

A more poetic and metaphorical way of describing sunlight.

FAQs

How can I use "rays of sun" in a sentence?

You can use "rays of sun" to describe a visual scene, for example: "The "rays of sun" streamed through the clouds, creating a breathtaking view." It can also be used metaphorically.

What are some alternatives to "rays of sun"?

Alternatives include "sunlight", "sunbeams", or "solar rays" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ray of sun" instead of "rays of sun"?

Yes, "ray of sun" is grammatically correct, but it refers to a single beam of light. "Rays of sun" is used to describe multiple beams or the general phenomenon of sunlight.

What's the difference between "rays of sun" and "rays of sunshine"?

"Rays of sun" and "rays of sunshine" are nearly interchangeable. "Rays of sunshine" often carries a slightly more positive and cheerful connotation, while ""rays of sun"" is more neutral.